The holiday season has now come to a close and it may be difficult for some to readjust to a normal work schedule. That’s why it’s important to remember that just because you can’t regularly sip on eggnog and champagne it doesn’t mean nights of fun are totally out of the question this month.

The Alamo Drafthouse certainly knows how to cut loose and the signature events in January prove that there is no stopping the fun this year.

Gorilla Run: Planet of the Apes (1968)

On January 19, downtown Austin will be swarmed by over 1,000 runners in gorilla suits as they seek to recreate the sci-fi classic Planet of the Apes. Actually they’re all just running a 5K to benefit the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund, and in celebration of this, the Drafthouse will screen the original film that featured Charleston Heston’s best yelling performance and a twist ending that had a thing or two to say about nuclear proliferation.

A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Gorilla Run, so if you don’t see this movie, you’ll just have to face the disapproval of Dr. Zaius.

Tough Guy Cinema presents: RUSSELLMANIA!!!

Tough Guy Cinema at the Drafthouse seeks to provide an over-indulgent dose of pure testosterone on the screen each month, but they might just outdo themselves this January. Cinematic legend Kurt Russell now has 50 years of experience in fighting extraterrestrials and ancient Chinese sorcerers and has often even done so while making us chuckle along with him.

A marathon of five unannounced films are the only way to do his work justice; expect a special menu served up along with rare 35mm trailers to give this tough guy his due.

Free Kids Club: King Kong vs. Godzilla

It can be tough for kids to leave behind the ecstasy of Christmas and return to the drudgery of school, so give them a special treat with a titanic showdown that puts Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant to shame. Presented by Ain’t It Cool News, Austin Chronicle and Toy Joy, this classic 1962 Japanese kaiju film (as in “giant monsters”) is certainly a good precursor for kids that got pumped up due to the Pacific Rim trailer. And I am not ashamed to include myself in that group.

Bid adieu to the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar

It’s still not too late to find something to watch for the last day of shows at the South Lamar Drafthouse on January 3. After that, you’ll just have to wait until next fall to see what may become the best Drafthouse theater yet.

Joel Hodgson Live: “Riffing Myself”

The movie-mocking members of Master Pancake have done great work on their own to become one of the top comedy acts in Austin, but it’s hard to imagine them even existing without the influence of the pioneering cult series, Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Creator and star of the original series Joel Hodgson will grace the Drafthouse Ritz on January 18 with his new one-man show: “Riffing Myself.” Hodgson will discuss a wide range of topics, from his own humble beginnings to the creation of the show that provided many laughs aboard the Satellite of Love. Also, there’s going to be a special Master Pancake “Mystery Movie Mock” with Hodgson joining in the fun, which should be a dream come true for fans as well as the guys of Master Pancake.

To see all of your options for movies and events this month, check out the Alamo Drafthouse calendar of signature events.